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Match report from the Wolverhampton AdNews, by David Lawrence Nightmare Vase exit for Town A ghost from the past returned to haunt Bilston Town at the weekend and proceeded in turning their Wembley dreams into a muddy nightmare. Andy McDonald - a thorn in Bilston's side when playing for Billericay in last years Vase - once again turned in a performance to sink the Steelmen. The rugged Bilston back four, normally so solid under pressure, simply had no answer to his silky skills as he guided unfancied Canvey Island into the semi-finals. Though he scored just once, McDonald could have had the game sown up before the interval had it not been for the excellent goalkeeping of Alan Pemberton. Once save in particular to deny the tricky winger brought gasps of disbelief from the massed Canvey ranks not to mention the dozens of Black County faithful who had made the trip. As it was Steve Bowater's side never recovered from two goals in a minute early in the first half which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors. McDonald showed his intent as early as the ninth minute when he expertly chested down Scott Rogers throw before firing inches too high. Six minutes later he was on the rampage again winning a free-kick out on the right wing. Rogers took it and floated the ball tantalisingly over the Bilston defence where Tony Mahoney lurked unmarked ready to power his header home. Still shocked from the goal, the Steelmen - rusting somewhat in a stiff sea breeze - allowed McDonald to make it 2 - 0 after Gary Jones misjudged a through ball. Bilston hardly managed to set foot in the Canvey half in the first period - their cause not being helped by the gale blowing in their faces. When they did it was danny Williams who tried in vain to unlock the solid home defence with some darting runs. But with half-time approaching, Bilston had Pemberton to thank firstly for denying Andy Jones with a full length save and then for his outstanding stop as McDonald steamed in unopposed. With the wind at their backs, manager Bowater must have hoped for something better after the interval but for a handful of half-chances, Bilston never looked liked finding a way through. Rob Bradley worked tirelessly in midfield and the introduction of Dave Morbey on the hour brought new width to the side. Best chance of the half fell to Bilston's Mark Stanton - hero of the 1989 Vase final - but his header flew the wrong side of the post. Skipper Jim Skidmore rifled one over the bar and almost into the Thames 15 minutes from time but as the seconds ticked away, Canvey's grasp on the tie just got firmer. The Essex minnows can now look forward to a two-legged semi-final clash with Tiverton of the Great Mills League. Beazer Homes side and cup favourites Gresley Rovers play Bridlington in the other semi-final. Teams Bilston Town from: Alan Pemberton, Nigel Conniff, Gary Jones, Jim Skidmore, Mark Bowler, John Rhodes, Danny Williams, John Baker, Mark Stanton, Steve Smith, David Morbey, Paul Wilde, Andy Ratcliffe, Mick Hart, Paul Knox, Rob Bradley. Weather Conditions: ?
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